So I have a buyer lined up through CL to sell off my hardly-ever used 24-105mm for $800. Ever since purchasing the 24-70mm mk2, it has been gathering dust. I'm not lacking anything over that FL range, so it shouldn't bother me, but...

I just wonder, am I missing something obvious about this lens? I have wanted to love it since I bought it over a year ago. So many people on this forum and others extoll its virtues (IQ, versatility, IS). To be frank - I just haven't seen it. And I think it sounds great on paper - good FL range, IS, compactness. It SHOULD be my go-to walkaround lens. But it isn't.

I did the AFMA on focal, but I've never been able to get true sharpness from this lens in darn near any situation. My prior workhorse was a Canon 17-55mm 2.8 on a T3i, and I didn't observe signiciant difference in the "upgrade" to the 24-105 (although, I felt color was noticeably better).

I'd hate to have seller's remorse if there is some secret to its awesomeness I just haven't unlocked yet. Or maybe I just have a crap copy. I suppose since I'm getting about the same as I paid for it. No loss, and hopefully prices will be similar in the future if I want to try to jump in again. What do you think; will I regret it?

It's a great lens (and I love it too) but if it does not suit your shooting style, yes, sell.

This is why I'm getting rid of my 24-70 MkI; a year has passed without it being used.

I am not saying that if you dont have these lenses you are not a serious photographer. 24-70ii and 70-200ii are Canon's workhorse lenses! These are the two must have lenses...of course if you can afford them. LOL @ serious photographer's use primes. Primes are good, but you will definitely miss shots if you are an event photographer! I sold my primes in the 24-70 range for the 24-70ii. The 24-70ii is sharper than the primes in its range! Not to mention to own the L primes in the range of 24-70ii (24L,35L,50L) is way more costly than owning the 24-70ii!

crasher8

I've sold two! I sold the first for 150 more than I bought it for and the 2nd I 'gave it away' for 100 less than I bought it for to a dear friend on a budget. She's happy so so am I. Tamron 24-70 VR was what I replaced it with. SOOOOOOOOO much better in every way.

I have the same dilemma. I purchased a 24-105L last summer and just added a 24-70 2.8 II a month ago.

The 24-70 is an awesome lens! Extremely sharp with little distortion and smooth bokeh. I use it frequently. However, I still find plenty of uses for the 24-105. I must have a good copy as it's pretty sharp above 24mm. The 24-105 is an ideal lens for attending festivals or day outings when I don't want to carry multiple lenses. It's nice to have the 70-105mm range when carrying a single lens and the IS saves shots that I would probably blur otherwise.

So, I'm hanging onto my 24-105 for now. If it starts to gather dust at some point down the road, I'll sell it.

CANONisOK: $800 is a really good price, I would take it since you haven't been using the lens anyway.

^100+++ guess my 10 year old studio and career isn't "serious" haha since all but 1 of my lenses are F4 lenses... It's that what gear you have, it's how you use it. I would love the 24-70 m2 but i am NOT going to plunk down the cash for that lens when I cant guarantee it wont give me any more $$ in sales... not worth it.. I am, though interested in picking up a second 24-105 for my backup lens...

If its gathering dust then sell it, what makes you think time will change your opinion? The 24-70ii is a beast compared to the 24-105.The 24-105 was great because its a 'good' all rounder lens at a cheap kit price.I've sold mine after getting the 24-70ii also, don't miss it at all unless you're planning to shoot video.

Thanks for all the feedback. It seemed like a really good price for a not-spectacular copy (but in all fairness, it was also in pristine condition). The buyer was also at a point in her hobby where I could see the 24-105mm as a big step-up in quality. Her enthusiasm made me feel good about selling it.

Maybe someday there will be an amazing mark ii version which can be the ultimate walkaround lens, but I'm plenty happy with my other current options. Now, if I can find some takers for my 17-55mm, 50 1.4, an old 18-200mm(!), etc...